Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) are closely related disorders that frequently co-occur. They are so similar in pattern, symptoms and response to treatment that many researchers view them as two faces of the same disorder. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia are poorly understood. Current research indicates that in many cases a viral infection may be involved; nutrition, genetics and physical and emotional stressors are possible factors as well. Both CFS and FM are “rule out” diagnoses, meaning that the symptoms of many disorders overlap and these conditions must be assessed prior to giving the CFS or FM diagnoses. Western conventional medicine continues to debate on whether fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome are ‘real” disorders or are psychologically caused. Treatment includes psychotherapy, exercise, local heat, stress management, drugs to improve sleep, and analgesics.
When the Fibromyalgia criteria are met, health professionals need to exclude other illnesses before a diagnosis can be confirmed. Because there is no diagnostic lab test for Fibromyalgia, it is a diagnosis of exclusion. Fibromyalgia is treatable. Many of these symptoms can result from a variety of medical and psychological problems which must be ruled out in order to select the best treatment.
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Formal diagnosis of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome requires two conditions be met: 1. Unexplained, persistent fatigue that is not due to ongoing exertion, is not substantially relieved by rest, is of new onset (not lifelong) and results in a significant reduction in previous levels of activity. 2. Four or more of the following symptoms are present for six months or more:
- Impaired memory or concentration
- Postexertional malaise
- Prolonged exhaustion (more than 24 hours) following physical or mental exertion
- Insomnia and unrefreshing sleep
- Widespread muscular pain and tenderness
- Multijoint pain without swelling or redness adults
- Migraine or tension headaches
- Sore throat that’s frequent or recurring
- Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
Other common symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome include:
- Stiffness
- Flu-like symptoms
- Achiness
- Forgetfulness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Brain fog
- Increased thirst
- Recurring infections
- Easily exhausted
- Weight gain
- Low libido
- Jaw pain
- Chest pain
- Chronic cough
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Irritable bladder
- Pelvic pain syndromes
- Gastroesophageal reflux disorder
- Allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, odors, chemicals, medications or noise
- Shortness of breath
- Tingling sensations
- Visual disturbances, such as blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain and dry eyes
- Dizziness, balance problems or fainting
- Dry mouth
- Earache
- Irregular heartbeat
Chronic fatigue syndrome is treatable. Many of these symptoms can result from a variety of medical and psychological problems which must be ruled out in order to select the best treatment.
Natural Treatment Approaches
Western Naturopathy views fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue as very real dysfunctions with multiple causes, including reaction to pathogens, nutritional deficiencies and endocrine dysregulation. Treatment consists of promotion of sleep, healthy endocrine function, diet and lifestyle modification, treatment of pathogens and promotion of healthy neurotransmitter balance. Nutritional interventions including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, control of pathogens and psychotherpy promoting coping strategies.
Traditional Chinese Medicine considers fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue to be combinations of several disease patterns rather than specific illnesses. Generally, these are considered Liver diseases, intertwined with Wind, Cold, and Damp. The TCM physician considers several patterns in selecting the appropriate formula, such as damp heat, Liver Qi Depression, Kidney yin deficiency, kidney yang deficiency, Lung yin deficiency, Liver deficiency, Liver stagnation and Spleen deficiency.